Joyce Elaine Birch, 73, passed away October 15, 2009 from causes due to a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Joyce was born the second of three children to Vera Berta and Lyman Elwood Otteson on February 7, 1936 in Bingham Canyon, Utah. Joyce was a graduate of Sugar-Salem High School. She grew up in Bingham Canyon, Moody Creek, and finally settled in Idaho Falls. On March 28, 1958, she married Paul Birch in the Idaho Falls Temple and they were later divorced. In 1959 was born her only child Bradley Otteson Birch who was the light of her life and she worked hard every day of her life for him. Joyce was full of life and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was helpful and kind to everyone. At the age of 65 Joyce worked hard and through the Literacy Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she learned to read. She loved children and during her life she had so many stories to tell of all the children she had the opportunity to care for. Everywhere you went she knew someone and had to stop and chat to see how they were doing. Not a baby would go by that she didn't ask to hold. Joyce was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held positions as a visiting teacher and working with the children in the nursery, which she loved! She is survived by her son Brad (Carrie) Birch of Shelley, Idaho and her "adopted" daughter LaNay (Jesse) Robbins, one brother, Howard (Dorothy) Otteson of Beaverton, Oregon, ten grand children and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and a grandson. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at the Park-Taylor LDS Ward Chapel 1291 W. 6500 S. Idaho Falls with Bishop Gregory Meacham officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 19, 2009, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls, and from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery, in Taylor, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perpetual Education Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.